Controlling mechanism for refrigerating apparatus



R. W. KRITZER CONTROLLING MECIjIANISM FOR REFRIGERATING APPARATUS Sept. 28 1926. 1,601,477

Filed Nov. 30, 1925 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 sept. 2s, 192e. 1,601,477.

R. W. KRITZER v CONTROLLING MECHANISM FOR REFRIGERATING APPARATUS Filed Nov. zo, lg s sheets-sheet 2 lzver? blur ` lSeptilms'; 192e. y 1,601,477 n R. W. KRITZER CGNTROLLING MECHANISM FOR REFRIGERATING APPARATUS Filed Nov. 50, 1925 3 Sheets-Sheet 5 "www-zere Patented Sept. '28,A 1926i,

UNITED STATES RICHARD W.

vimriazNT OFFICE,

KRITZER, or CHICAGO, ILLINOIS', AssIGNoR To PEERLESS Ici? Iliislnsn'iriil C0., OF CHICAGO, ILLINOIS, A CORPORATION 0l: ILLINOIS.

CONTROLLING MECHANISM FOR REFRIGERATING APPARATUS.

.Application-sied November 3o, i925. serial No. 72,227.

to increase of pressure of the refrigerant,

and automatically discontinuing the opera- ,tion of the gas compressing means in the event that the pressure on the high pressure side of the apparatus exceeds aipredeten mined amount; and more especially -to apparatus in which the mechanism above referred to is provided as a single unit operable from the high pressure side of the apparatus, as through the mediumof a single diaphragm device.

lt may be stated that it is desirable in refrigerating apparatus to maintain the pressure in the high pressure side thereof within certain limits found, in practice, to be the most economical, and inasmuch as the pressure is dependent mainly upon temperature conditions, it is desirable to provide automatically operating means, to vary the amount of cooling fluid supplied to the condenser, responsive to variations in the pressure ofthe refrigerant. Furthermore, it is also desirable that means be provided whereby, should the pressure of the vgas exceed a predetermined amount,`as for example in the event of failure of supply of cooling fluid for the condenser, the operation of the compressor will be discontinued.v

It is furthermore desirable that the mechanism provided be so constructed that should the water valve become frozen in closed condition, it will not interfere with the discontinuing of the operation of the gas compressing means when the pressure on the iigli pressure side of the apparatus exceeds a predetermined amount.

My primary object is to provide a construction of the general character above stated whereby the freezing of the water valve in closed condition will not prevent tlic proper operation of the mechanism to discontinue the operation of the compressor in the event that the pressure on the high pressure side exceeds a predetermined amount, and to cect this result by novel, simple, inexpensive, and positively operated means. A p

Referring to the accompanying drawings :e-

Figure 1 is a diagrammatic view of a typical form of refrigeration apparatus embodying my Improvement. Figure 2 is a view in sectional elevation of my im roved control mechanism formingr a part o the apparatus shown in Fig. 1. Figure 3 is a section takenat the line 3-3 on Fig. 2 and viewed in the Ldirection of the arrows. Figure 4 is an enlarged View in sectional elevation of the switch mechanism forming a part of the apparatus; and Figure 5, a section taken at the line 5 5 on Fig. 4 and viewed in the direction of the arrows. -f

Referring irst to the apparatus diagramy matically shown in Fig.'1, which is present-y ed merely by way of an example of a use for my improved control mechanism, 10 represents a compressor for the gasified refrigerant shown as operated by an electric motor indicated at 11. The intake for the compressor 10 isrepresented at 12 and is connectedwith the outlet end of the refrigerat ing coil represented at 13, the other end of whichv opens -into an expansion-valve 14, which in turn communicates with a pipe 15 connected with, and leading from, the discharge end of a condenser-coil 16, the other,

vcoil 16 is cooled by a liquid cooling `nuedium, as for example water, which enters inlet, end of which communicates with a pipe the condenser structure through the inlet 19 y and discharges therefrom, after eecting the cooling function, through the outlet 20.

The apparatus shown also embodies my improved mechanism, of which the following is a description:

The mechanism comprises a valve device represented generally at 21 and interposed in the pipe k19for controlling the flow of water to the condenser, the particular valve structure shown comprising `a casing 22 formed with a partition .23, containing a port 24 controlled bythe valve-proper 25 which is normally held in seated position, as shown in 2,".to shut off the supply,

jof water to the condenser structure, Aby a coil-spring 26 surrounding the lower, guid ed, stem portion 27 of this valve, and interposed between the latter and a plug 28 screwed into the casing 22, the valve-proper 25 being shown asprovided with an upwardlyextending stem 29, slidable in, and projecting vupwardly through, the top of the casing 22. The casingi22 is surrnountedl Iby a frame-like member 36 provided with gers 32 and 33 connected with a stationaryl part of the switch structure and forming the terminals 34 and 35 of the switch, and into and out of engagement with which the bridging contact member 36 .is movable. The contact member 36 is carried by a lever 37 which is pivoted at 38 to the inner end of a lever 39 pivoted on a pin`40 supported on a stationary part of the switch structure,the outer end of this lever, and represented at 41, extending through a slot`42 in a plate 43, forming a part of the switch structure, and through which portion the switch is operated. Cooperating with the lever 39 is a coil-spring 39 which surrounds the pin 40 and engages the lever 39 and exerts a force on the latter tending to rock this lever in counter-clockwise direction to the position shown infFig. 4. The lever 37 is located between upper. and lower stop-forming p0rtions 44-and 44a of a yoke-clip 44b carried by the casing of the swtich and is movable into and out of engagement with these stop portions by a coil spring- 45 connected at `one end with the lever 37 and at its opposite end with a stationary part of the switch structure, as shown, this spring being so poj sitioned that in the position of the lever 39 inlFig. 4 the spring 45 extends below the pivot 38 and holds the lever 37 against the stop-portion 44a in which position the switch is open, and when the lever 39 is swung upwardly this spring extends above the pivot 38 and throws the lever 37 against the stop-portion 44 in which position the switch is closed. The arrangement of the` parts just described is such, as shown, as to cause the movable parts of the switch to Vauto'n'iatically move to the positionk shown in Figi 4 after the operation of the lever- 39 to move the contact 36 intoengagement with the contacts 32 and 33, unless force is exerted on the lever 39, restraining its return movement under the action of the spring' 39a to the position shown in this ligure. lIn other words, the switch remains closed only so long as pressure continues to be applied to the lever 39 after the latter has been forced to switch-closing position against the resistance of the spring 39a.

Cooperating with the switch mechanism just described is switch-actuating and locking mechanism comprising a lever 46 pivoted on a shaft 47, carried by the casing 31, the outer end of this lever extending through a slot 4S in the casing to render it accessible for operation. The lever 46 is provided with an arm 49, between which and the opposite side of the casing 31 a coil `to closed position and remain in this condition so long as the lever 46 occupies the position as shown in this figure." The lever 46 cooperates with a latch device for hold- ,ing this lever inl a position in which the switch is closed, this latch device comprising a latcli-lever 52 pivoted vbetween its ends on a shaft 53 secured tothe casing 31. One. arm of this lever, and represented at 54,is provided with arecess 55 adaptedto receive the upper end of the arm 51, and become interlocked with the latten-,as shown in Fig. 2 in the operation of moving the lever 46 to the position shown in Fig. 2, the lever 52 being yieldingly held in latcliing position by a coil spring 56 interposed between this lever and the top of the casing 31. The otherl end of this lever, and represented at 57, extends through a slot 58 in the adjacent wall of the casing 31 into a nposition to be operated against the resistance of the spring 56 by the mechanism hereinafter described, toA unlatch the lever 46 and permit the switch mechanism to return automatically to open position.

In accordance with my invention, both the valve 25, controlling the cooling fluid, and the latching device for the switch, are controlled by a single mechanism operating responsive to rise ot pressure in the high pressure side 'of the refrigerating apparatus, the particular construction of mechanism illustrated and provided for this purpose, comprising the following elements.

A -sectional diaphragm-casing 59 surmounting the member 3() andv containing a chamber 60 provided with a diaphragm 61 of any suitable liexible construction held in place at its marginal edge, ,by a tight joint, between the sections of the casing 59, the chamber 66, above the diaphragm containing an inlet. communicating with a-pipe 62 connected with the high-pressure sideof the refrigerating apparatus as, for example, as indicated in the'drawings, whereby the diaphragm is subjected to the pressure o't the condensed gas. The diaphragm 61 is connected with the upper end of ahollow .stein 63 having sliding fit in a plug 64 screwed into the bottom of the diaphragm casing 59, the upper end ot the valve stein 29, which is axially aligned with the stem 63 extending upwardly into the latter, at the head 65 provided onthe stem 29, the stem 29 below the head 65 being surrounded b a sleeve 66 screwed into the lower threa ed end of the stem 63 to form an abutment for the head 65 this sleeve being vertically adjustable in the stem 63 by the screw-threaded connection provided as above described. A lock nut 67 screwed upon the lower end of the sleeve 66 adapted to bear against the lower end of the stem 63 serves to lock the sleeve 66 in adjusted position. Locatedv within the stem 63 and exerting downward pressure against the head 65 ofthe stem 29 is a coil spring 68, through the medium of which 'downward pressure on the' valve stem 29, which is slidable in the sleeve 66, is exerted by the stem 63 to force the valve 25 open against the action of the spring 26, when this valve is in unfrozen condition. The stem 63 carries a tappet washer 69 into the path of movement rof which the projecting end 57 of the lever 52 extends. The diaphragm structure comprising the diaphragm 61 and the stem 63 and the parts carried thereby, cooperates with .a coil spring 70 located in the casing 59 per end of the plug 64, this spring operatingv to yieldingly resist downward movement of the diaphragm structure under the action of the pressure of gas in the chamber 60 above the diaphragm. The spring 70 is of such construction and proportions as to present the proper yielding resistance to the gas pressure for effecting the desired control of the valve 25 to cause the supply of cooling liquid to the condenser to be properly regulated and the tripping of the latch lever 52, by theengagement of the tappet 6 9 therewith, when the pressure of the refrigerant exceeds the predetermined degree at which it is desired the operation of the compressor be discontinued.

The spring 68 is-provided for the purpose of permitting the stem 63 and washer 69 to lower and trip the lever 52 when the predetermined pressure has become built up in the diaphragm chamber 60, even should the valve 25 become frozen to its seat, the spring 68 to this end being So tensioned that while it operates to force the valve 25 open when the diaphragm 61 is lowered, when the valve 25 is not frozen, it will not prevent lowering ot the stem*63 and the tappet 69 to actuate the locking lever 52, should this valve become frozen.

Thus provision is made for eecting 4the dual functions'ot regulating the supplying ot cooling liquid to the condenser and effecting the discontinuation `of the pressureproducing means in the event of excess pressure, by a single pressure-operated device,

and should conditions occur presenting resistance to the opening of the valve controlling the cooling liquid, the mechanism is nevertheless capable of functioning to discontinue the pressure-producing means when the predetermined excess pressure is built up.

lVhile I have illustrated and described a, particular construction embodying my invention, and have shown it as incorporated in a particular apparatus, I do not wish to be understood as intending to limit it thereto, as the same may be variously modi-ed and alteredfand the device used in other situations, without departing from the spirit of my invention.

lVhat I claim as new, and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is:

1.- In retrigerating apparatus, the combination of compressingmeans, a condenser, a conduit leading from said condenser and through which the compressed gas passes, means for supplying a. cooling liquid to said condenser and comprising a valve, means for actuating said compressor and compris ing a controlling element, and a single dcvice operating responsivel to rise of pressure in said conduit for controlling said valve and said controlling element and having a yielding portion controlling said valve only, and yieldable in the event of resistance ot the valve to movement ina direction away from closed position, whereby should said valve become frozen the control of said controlling element will not be affected.

2. In refrigerating apparatus, the combination of compressing means, a condenser, a conduit leading from said condenser and through which the compressed gas passes,

means for supplying a cooling liquid to said condenser and comprising a valve, means for actuating said compressor and comprising a controlling element, and a diaphragm device subject to the pressure in said conduit and operating to control said valve and said controlling element .and having a yielding portion controlling said valve only, and yieldable in the event of resistance of the valve to movement ina direction away from closed position, whereby should said valve become frozen the controlof said controlling operated, said last-referred-to section controlling said valve and the other o said sections controlling said controlling element.

Ll. ln retrigerating apparatus, the combination ot compressing means, a condenser, a conduit leading from said condenser `and through which the compressed gas passes, means for supplying a cooling liquid to said condenser and comprising a valve, means for actuating said compressor and comprising a controlling element, and a diaphragm device subject to the pressure in said conduit and operating to control said valve and said controlling element and comprising a movable stem operated by the diaphragm and formed ot relatively movable sections and yielding means interposed therebetween and through which one 'ot said sections is operated, said last-reterred-to section controlling said valve and the other ot said sections controlling said controlling element.

5. in retrigerating apparatus, the combination ot compressing means, a condenser, a conduit leading from said condenser and through which the compressed gas passes, means for supplying a cooling liquid to said condenser and comprising a valve, means for actuating said compressor and comprising a switch in normally closed position and constructed and arranged to remain in open position ai'ter movement to said last-named position, and a single device operating responsive to rise ot pressure in said conduit tor controlling said valve and opening said switch and having a yieldinT portion controlling said valve only, and yieldable in the event olI resistance ot the valve to movement in a direction away Jtrom closed position, wherebyshould said valve become -l'rozen the control ot' said switch will not be atfected.

G. rei'rigerating apparatus, the combination of compressing means, a condenser, a conduit leading from said condenser and through which the compressed gas passes, means tor supplying a cooling liquid to said condenser and comprising a valve, means for actuating said compressor and comprising a selt-opening switch, a latch for holding said switch in closed position, and a device operatinoresponsive to rise in pressure in said conduit lor controlling the position of said valve and releasing said latch and having a yielding portion coi'itrolling said valve only, and yieldable in the event of resistance ot the valve to movement in a direction away from closed position, whereby should said valve become frozen the con'- trol ot said latch will not be aii'ected.

7. ln refrigerating apparatus, the combination ot compressing means, a condenser, a conduit leading from said condenser and through which the compressed gas passes, means for supplying a cooling liquid to said condenser and comprising a valve,

means for actuating said compressor and comprising a controlling element, and a single device operating responsive to rise of pressure in said conduit tor controlling said valve and said controlling element and formed of relatively movable members one of which controls said valve only, the other of said members controlling said controlling element andV being movable independently of said valve-controlling member in the movement ot said device in a direction to force said valve open, whereby should said valve become frozen the :control ot said controlling element will not be ali'ected.

, 8. ln retrigerating apparatus, the combination oie compressing means, a condenser, a conduit 'leading from said condenser and through which the compressed gas passes, means tor supplying a cooling liquid to said condenser and comprising a valve, means for actuating said compressor and comprising a controlling element, and a single device operating responsive to rise of pressure in said conduit for controlling said valve and said controlling element and formed ot relatively movable members one ot which controls said valve only, the other of said members controlling' said controlling element and being movable independently of said valve-controlling member in the movement ot said device toward the seat with which said valve cooperates and in a direction to force said valve open, whereby should said valve become frozen the control ot said controlling element will not be atl'eeted.

9. ln retrigerating apparatus, the combination of compressing means, a condenser, a conduit leading from said condenser and through which the compressed gas passes, means for supplying a cooling liquid to said condenser and comprising a valve, means for actuating said compressor and comprising a controlling element, and a single device operating responsive to rise ot' pressure in said conduit for controlling said valve and said controlling element and formed of relatively movable members one of which controls said valve only and is movable in a direction to close said valve by the engagement therewith or' the other of said members in moving in a direction away from the seat With which said valve cooper- .ates andaway from said controlling element, said last-reterred-to member controllingr said controlling element and being movable independently of said valve-com trolling member in vthe movement of said device toward said controlling element.

1Q. In retrigerating apparatus, the combination .ot compressing means, a condenser, aconduit leading from said condenser and through which the condensed gas passes, means for supplying a cooling liquid to said condenser and comprising a valve'ivhich opens in the direction ot the flow lof water through said second-named means, means for actuating said compressor and comprising a controlling element, and a single device operating responsive to rise of pressure in said conduit and comprising relatively movable members one of which controls said valve only and is movable in a direction to close said valve by the engagement therewith of the other of said members in moving in a direction away from the seat with which said valve`c-o-operates and away from 10 Said controlling element, said last-referredto member controlling said controlling element and being movable independently of said valve-controlling member in the move ment of said device toward said controlling l5 element. c

` RICHARD W. KRITZER, 

